Automatic valve for washing-machines.



J. HUEBSCH I R. BOOST. y AUTOMATIC VALVE FOR WASHING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24. |913. I I

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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J. HUEBSCH 6A R. ROOST. AUTOMATIC vALvE FOR WASHING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.24| 1913- Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

5 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

,f3/2, Hue bsch /IG d l J. HUEBSCH & R. BOOST.

AUTOMATIC vAL-vEy FOR WASHING MACHINES.

. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24. |913. 1,223,54. Patented Apr. 24,1917.

4 SHEETS-.SHEET 3.

W mf mw E e oA Vph@ J. HUEBSCH & R.@RO0ST. AuoII/IATII: vALvE FORWASHING IvIAcHIIIEs.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 24. I9I3.

HUEBSCH MANUFACTURING C TION 0F WISCONSIN.

-A'UTOMATIC- VALVE EOE WASHING-MACHINES.

i Lacasse.

To all 'whom t may concern.

Be it known that we, JOSEPH HnnBscH and RICHARD Roos'r, citizens of theUnited States, and residents of the `city of Milwaulie, county ofMilwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and usefulImprovementsA in Automatic Valves for VVashing-Machines; and we dohereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription of the same, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings, and to the numerals of reference marked thereon, which form apart of this specification.

Automatic valves used in connection with washing machines, such as areused in laundries, have been found more or less unsatisfactory inoperation after a period of use, owing to the fouling of the mechanismssubjected to the action of the water, which, as a rule, is dirty andsoapy. Where such Valves have been controlled by Hoat mechanisms thefluid contained in the ioat chamber flows thereto from the machine,carrying with it of course, the lint from the clothes and particles ofsoap and dirt, which collect in the float chamber, thus necessitatingfrequent attention and cleaning of that portion of the mechanism.

This invention relates to automatic float controlled n'nxing valves,wherein the va-v rious valves may be each independently adjusted to anopen position to permit an inflowing mixture of fluids, for instance ata certain temperature, and whereby a flow of fluid is maintained fromthe float chamber to the washing machine, thus insuring clean water atall times in the float chamber and preventing fouling of the same.

It is an object of this invention to construct a device embracing supplyvalves communicating with a common discharge supply pipe'whcrein saidvalves are provided with which act to admit easy opening of the valve'and prevent a sudden closing thereof.l

It is also an object of this invention to construct a device embracingsupply valves controlled by a float mechanism in which a flow ismaintained from the supply pipe through the float chamber to the washingmachine with which the float mechanism is connected, insuring clean Huidin the float mechanism at all times.

It is also an object of this invention to Specification of` LettersPatent. Application led November 24, 1913. Serial No. 802,644.

I construct a device for suitable by-passes for the fluid,

l Patented Apr. 24, 1931K admitting fluid to a washing machineinregulable uantities and when sulicient fluid has been a mitted to themachine to insure an automatic release and closure of the mechanism toshut olf the supply of fluid.

It is also an object of thisl invention to construct a device embracinga plurality of independently operatable and adjustable supply valvesassociated with float controlling` mechanism which may cause actuationof all of said valves.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a device comprisingfloat'controlling mechanism for a plurality of independently adjustablesupply valves, and wherein the flow Vfrom said valves is partiallydirected to and through the float mechanism.

It is also an object of this invention to provide supply valves for asupply line, so constructed as to permit the ready insertion of othervalves in addition, and in a manner whereby a float mechanism is adaptedto control the actuation of any and all of thevalves independently ofthe number.

It is also an object of this invention to provide in combination with aplurality of independently operatable valves, an adjust` able floatcontrolling mechanism in direct communication with. the outlet from saidvalves.

\ It is furthermore an object of this invention to provide a valvemember having a plurality of inlets, wherein the closures controllingsaid inlets may be set in any adjusted position, and wherein all of saidvalves arel controlled by Heat mechanism, acting to instantly releaseand permit closure of the valves when an excess offluid passestherethrough into the machine to which the device is attached.

It is finally an object of this invention to construct an automaticallyacting valve mechanism in which any desired number of mixing valves maybe simultaneously and automatically controlled by a single floatmechanism to admit predetermined quantities of water to a washingmachine.

The invention (in a preferred form) is illustrated in the drawings andhereinafter more fully described.

ln the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a Washing machine partly broken away,andillustrating automatic valves embodying the principles of ourinvention connecte thereto. j

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevation show- Fi 4 is an enlarged tionaview showing the valves in closed position.

Fig., 5 is a similar view open position.

Fig. 6 is a section Fig. 5, with parts in elevation, parts broken away.

Fig. 7 is 'an enlarged sectional detail View of the valve as shown inFig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a modification illustrating four valves associated with oneanother, illustrating the method of connecting any number of valves inthe supply line, if desired.

. Fig. 9 is a detail of a slidable toothed member for maintaining thevalve levers in adjusted position.

Fig. 10 is a detail partly in section illustrating a cup or open pipeinsertible in the supply line.

Fig. 11 is a central vertical section through a conventional type of aircheck valve', shown inserted in the supply line.

Fig. 12 is a section taken on line 12--12 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the valve controllinglevers.

Fig. 1-1 is a rear elevation thereof.

Fig. 15 is an. enlarged side elevation of a fragment of the floatactuating rod.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the connected rack members.

Fig.17 is an enlarged detail partly in secwith the valves in taken online 6-6 of and with tion of the auxiliary valve plunger.

' vention,

As shown in the drawings: y The reference numeral 1, indicates thecasing of a rotary washing machine Within which a perforated drum 2, issuitably mounted to receive the clothes to be washed, and to movetherein. inasmuch, however, as the particular construction of thewashing machine forms no part of the resent inthe particular details ofconstructionv and operation thereof will not be entered into. The watersupply for the washing machine communicates therewith at the bottom orat any convenient point lthrough suitable pipe fitting, and preferablyembraces a straight portion of pipe 3, ex-

tending beneath the washing machine, and connected by means of an elbow4, to an upstanding or vvertical supply pipe 5, which, at its .upper endcommunicates with Lvalve mechanism for controlling the ovv Vof the watersupply to the machine. I

The valve mechanism comprises a two way yond the flush ends of .pressionspring 21, bears tion of the'cap 9. Said screw 22, is

-of said stem and not only for the nut, but also affords f and a passageor double globular easing 6, the outlet of which is attached to the pipe5, by means of any suitable pipe coupling, and although only two inletsare shown in the particular construction herein set forth and described,it is obvious that said casing may be formed with additional inlets, forinstance, more than two, or, if desired, only one inlet thereto. inletpassages 7, are provided in the rear side of the casing, and, of course,the source of fluid supply, for instance, hot, cold or treated water, isintroduced through different pipes 8, one connected to each of theinlets. Cylindrical caps 9, .disposed opposite one another and in axialalinement,

are threaded on the casing 6, thus closing the same and affording achamber containing the duplications of one another, a description of onewill sui'iice.

This mechanism comprises a cylindrical cup or piston l0, which isreduced inl diameter :it the ,portion 1l, and further" reduced to arelatively long tubular member 12, which is threaded at its end into abluntly tapered nut 13, having formed integral therewith or securedthereto, as desired,'a yoke 14. iin annular closure 15, which ischamfered at its end, and may be either metal or rubber composition, asdesired, is held in position on the tubular member 12, against a washer16, by means of the threaded nut 13. Said washer 16, may be set up tofurther compress the closure 15, by means of an interiorly threadedcollar 17,which is engaged on the externally threaded portion 11, ofsaid cup member.

Extending loosely through the tubular portion 12, of thepiston 10, is aplunger comprising a stem 18, which is of a length, as shown in Fig. 4,to

the elements 12 and 13. An enlarged conical valve closure 19, adapted toseat against the inner end of said' tubular portion 12, is heldassociated 'with said stem by means of a long screw 22, proj e'ctingtherethrough and threaded into said stem. A collar 20, is held againstsaid closure 19, by means of a lo-ng internally threaded cylindricalmember 20a, threaded on said screw 22. One end of 'a spiral com- 20", onsaid member 20a, and the other end thereof seats in a reducedcylindrical porthreaded into the end provides a lock a means ofadjustment to limit the movement of the plungers in the device.

The cap 9, is enlarged on one side thereof, 23, extends therethrough fora purpose hereinafter described.` A plug member 24, is threaded into oneend of said passage, said member being adjustable from projectslightlyT` beiis against a flange the exterior of the cap to restrictthe area of' opening of the passage therethrough, as desired.

Packing gland members 25 and 26, affording a stuiing boX, extend throughan aperture in the side of the casing and rec-eive therethrough anactuating shaft or rod 27, for the valve closure, said rod having4 acurved or cam shaped finger 28, which lengages within the yoke 14, onsaid closure. The inner extremity of said actuating rod 27, bearsagainst a boss 29,' formed on the interior of the casing. /Each of theouter ends of said shafts 27, are provided with a handle 30, to which ispivoted a spring impelled grip 31, having a tooth or projection andlimit the flow 32, thereon adapted to engage a rack sector locking meanshereinafter described, and also with a tail 33, adapted to bear againsta set screw 34, in said handle 30, whereby the amplitude of movement ofsaid grip member may be changed as desired to a predetermined amount.

The degree of opening of the valves is detcrmined,of course, by theamount the levers 30, are moved, and inasmuch as said levers may beretained in any position of movement by said sector locking means, it isobvious that the degree of opening of each or any of said valves may bevaried and maintained at predetermined amount optional with theoperator.

Said casing 6, on the front side thereof, is provided with a pair oflugs 35, on which squared collars 36, are secured by means of screws 37,to retain and limit the movement of a longitudinally slidable toothed orrack sector member for maintaining the levers 30, in adjusted position.Said rack member comprises vertical parallel bars 38, which engage overthe bosses 35, on the casing, and are held slidably thereon by means ofsaid collars 36.

A casing 39, is secured to saidbars 38, and incloses a spiralcompression spring 40, which bears at its upper end against the up,- perend of said casing 39, and at its lower end against the lowerboss 35.The lower portion of said slidable member is provided with a pair of arcshaped racks 41, having stops 42, at one end thereof and joined by atransverse bar 43. An outstanding arm or grip 44, is provided at theupper end of said slidable member for the purpose of manually' thrustingthe same downwardly against the compression ofthe spring 40, andwhen sothrust downwardly a pawl or trigger 45, pivoted on said Casin 6, dropsoifer the bar 43, thus retaining said slidable member in its lowerposition.

The float controlling mechanism for the valves comprises a verticalcylinder or chamber 46, mounted conveniently adjacent the upright supplypipe 5, and if desired, supported thereon by means of` clamps 47. The

lower end of said cylinder or chamber 46, is provided with an outlet 48,with which a pipe 49, is connected, said pipe at its other endcommunicating with the. bottom of the washing machine casing, as clearlyshown in Fig. 1.

A float 50, is contained within said cylinder 46, and is secured to arod 51, which extends upwardly in said cylinder, and through an aperturein a lateral extension 52, on the lower end of a graduated actuating rodor bar 53. Said actuating rod 53, is provided with a number ofequidistantly spaced recesses 56, conforming to the graduations or scaleon the surface of the rod, and arecessed detent 57, impelled by a spring58, is slidably mounted within said movable adjusting latch 55, toengage in the recesses in said actuating rod 53, and lock the bar 53,and rod 51, together. The scale on Athe graduated actuating bar 53, maybe conveniently in inches to show the level of the fluid in the washingmachine casing and float cylinder at which a certain submergence ofthefioat 50,.will cause an elevation of the actuating bar and consequentrelease ol' the trigger 45. A

Projecting intol the upper open end of the float cylinder 46, is an openfeed pipe 59, `which is connected to an elbow 60, threaded on the end ofa short pipe 61. The pipe 61, communicates with a hollow plug or cupmember 62, which is threaded in turn into the wall of the supply pipe 5,and directed upwardly within the interior of said supply pipe. Thus, asthe fluid flows downwardly through the supply pipe, a portion thereofstriking the cup member 62, is directed outwardly and through the pipe59, into the float cylinder 46.

' Also threaded into said supply pipe 5, at a point at all times abovethe level of the fluid in the washingA machine, is an automatic airinlet or check valve, comprising a hollow plug member 63, threaded intosaid supply pipe and normally closed at its inner end by a pivotedgravity acting check or flap 64. The purpose of this valve is toautomatically admit air into the supply pipe and to prevent a loweringof pressure therein' to an extent less than atmospheric. The upper endof the actuating rod or bar 53, is pivotally connected to an arm 65,which is rigidly connected to, or may be formed integral with, the pawlor trigger 45, so that actuation of said arm will cause movement of thetrigger.

The operation is as follows: `lvlechauism acts automatically to shut oftthe supply of fluid to the washing machine when the level of the fluidtherein rises to the predetermined height in the casing. This isaccomplished by means of the fioat 50. contained within the cylinder 46,and adjustably connected to the actuating rod 53, by means ot the latch55, and stem 51, already described. As the fluid within the washingmachine and in the float cylinder rises to a predetermined leveldetermined by the adjustment of the float mechanism, the Float will beelevated,` and due, to the consequent upward movement of the bar 53,raising the arm 65, will cause a retraction of the pivotedpawl ortrigger 15, and a release of the sli/dable rack member under the impulseof the spring 40. Vhen the valve levers 30 are released by releasemovement of said slidable rack member, the valves operate to close underthe impulse or" their respective springs Q1.

The respective valves are constructed to open easily when the handle isactuated, and to close slowly under the impulse of the spring in thevalve casing when the handle of the valve is released. This is effectedby the auxiliary passage 23, the opening and closing of one end of whichis controlled by movement of the piston 10. Referring to Fig. 4, wherethe valves are in closed positiomthe inner end of said passage 23, isclosed by the piston and as the handle ot' the valve is moved, the stem18, is first moved by the finger 28, thus retracting the valve closure19, from its seat.

and with a further movement of said finger Q8', thesealing element ofthemain valve closure 15, is moved from its seat and of course the piston10, therewith. Owing to the `fact that the valve closure19, is in openpositionne augmentation of pressure in the space within the piston 10,can take place,

' end of said passage, -u'lthm the piston.

and in fact it will be found that the Huid will flow into the passage23, at the inner end thereof as the piston 10, moves to open the same.and outwardly through the outer and thence around and and finallyoutwardly through the tubular element 12, so that in etliect,a`balancingof the valve is Obtained.

When the-handleBO, of the valve is released .of course the closure 19,immediately u seats and .as the main valvev closure moves between thecap 9, and. said piston,

toward closed position, the inner end of the passage is closed bv thepiston 10, and a redu'ctionin pressure is 'effected in the space to thusretard .the closing of the valve. Of course, the piston4 10, does notfit tightly within the cap 9, andthe .fluid may seep past -the peripherythereofso that in time an equalization of, pressure will have takenplace and the space'betwecn the piston v10, and cap 9, .will be filledwithV theuid. Howeverg as pointed out, during the actual closing of thevalve', the seepage past the cup member 10,

11 is so smal1 as to permit a reduction of pressure to take place and aconsequent retardatiert of movement of the valveinto closing position.

u bar) the buoyancy in the modificati@ illustrated in' rigs.' e 65 and16, we have shown two double entrance valves connected to one another,and 'controlled by a pair or1 connected slidable rack of the float, asbefore, the only ing a pair of inwardly directed lugs' 66,

which engage the transverse bar 4:3, of the upper slidable member and isconstrained thereby to move therewith at all times.

Wev believe from the construction described, it is obvious that anydesired nurnber of supply valves may be connected to deliver from themain supply pipes and into the easing. For this purpose the casings areprovided with an upper inlet, as indicated at 67, in Fig. 8,andconnected substantially in trainone upon another, the uppermost, ofcourse, having a casing closed at the top. Any desired number or all ofthe .valves may be adjusted to any desired degree of openingrespectively, and will be retained in the adjusted open position bymeans of the respective rack segments until the supply of fluid withinthe casing and float cylinders shall have reached the -level ,for whichthe flow is set by means of the graduated actuating bar whereon thefloat is suspended from .the arm 65. Immediately upon the Huid rising tothe predetermined level (as indicated by the setting of the latch on thegraduated actuating of the oat causes an elevationof the same, and saidarm 65, releases the trigger. This, Jfrom the construction beforedescribed, releases all of the rack segments to move upwardly under theimpulse ot4 the-irrespective compression siderable quantities of whichmight otherwise accumulate therein.

We are aware that the details of construction may be varied through 4awide range without departing from the principles of this'invention. Wetherefore do not pur pose limiting the patent granted otherwise thannecessitated by the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a device of the class described a casing, a plurality of mainvalves mounted end to end therein and communicating with a commonoutlet, auxiliary valves axially alined therein, piston valves connectedWith said main valves and operatable therewith, passages in said casingcontrolled by said piston valves, means for regulating the area ofopening of said passages, mechanism for setting one or more of saidvalves independently in an adjusted open position, and means forautomatically releasing all of said open valves to closed position aftera predetermined i'low therethrough.

2. In a device of the class described a casing, valve seats therein, aplurality of automatically closing valves alined therein and adapted tomove toward one another to closed positions in said valve seats andcommunicating with a common outlet, means on said casing adjustable fromthe exterior thereof to govern the closing movement of said valves,auxiliary valves connected in .said main valves to open prior lto theopenlng of said main valves and to close prior to the closing thereof,and means determined by the quantity of the discharge for automaticallyreleasing all of said valves simultaneously when in open position topermit closure thereof.

3. In a device of the class described valve casings mounted end to end,a plurality of valves therein communicating with a common outlet,auxiliary valves mounted Within said valves to open prior to the openingof said valves,l and to close prior to the closure thereof, a piston anddash pot connected With said -first mentioned valves, a release passagefor said dash pot communicating around said first mentioned valves, andpermitting easy opening of said first mentioned valves when saidauxiliary valves are first opened and .retarding the closure of said rstmentionedfvalves after said auxiliary valves are closed.

4.111 a device of the class described a casing, valve seats alinedtherein, a plurality of independently operable valves axially alined insaid casing with the valve seat ends of said valves adapted to movetoward one another to engage in said valve seats and communicating withAa common outlet thereof, manually operated actuating means operatedindependently for each of said valves, locking means therefor, actin tohold said valves in adjusted open positions, auxiliary valve passagesformed in the Walls oi' said casing acting to equalize the pressure oneach side of said valves, and a iioat, acting to release said lookinmeans therefrom to permit automatic closing of the valves at apredetermined flow therethrough, and graduated adjusting means for theioat.

5. A device of the class described embracing independent sources offluid supply, an independent valve for each acting to control the, Howtherefrom, a piston forming a part of each of said valves, passages forequalizing the pressure on each side of said valves the opening andclosing of which are controlled by said piston, a yoke formed on each ofsaid valves, mechanism engaged in said yokes `:for locking said valvesin adjusted open position, said valves alined with the yoked endsadjacent one another, a receptacle to receive the How, an independentfloat tank supplied from said valves independently of the receptacle andcommunicating to discharge freely thereto, a float adjustably supportedin said tank and mechanism operated by the float to release the valvesto closed position when the level of the liquid 1n the receptaclereaches a predetermined height.

6. In a device of the class described the combination with a Washingmachine, of a supply line connected thereto, casings mounted end to endtherein, axially alined independent supply valves in said' casingsadapted to be independently adjusted to predetermined open positions toadmit a certain mixture of fluid to the machine, exteriorly adjustablemeans acting to equalize the pressure on each side of said valves,automatic means connected to the Washing machine and to said valves topermit closure of the valves when the level of Huid in said Washingmachine rises to a and connections between said ioat chamber, saidsupply line and said Washing machine to maintain a flow of Huid from theiioat chamber to said Washing machine.

7. ln adevice of the class described the combination with a washingmachine, of a casing connected therewith, a main supply pipe leadingthereto, a plurality of supply valves mounted end to end in said supplypipe to control quantities of different iiuids therethrough, passagesformed in the Walls of said casing adapted to equalize the pressure oneach side of said valves, automatic means admitting air to said mainsupply pipe to prevent lowering of the pressure in said supply pipebelow atmospheric, automatic float controlled means communicating withsaid Washing machine adapted to release said valves to closed positionWhen the level of the fluid in the washing machine rises to apredetermined amount, and means supplying luid to said automatic meansfrom said supply pipe to insure a dow of fluid from said automatic means.to the Washing machine.

8. In a device of the class described the combination With a washingmachine, of a predetermined height,

- main supply pipe leading thereto, automatic chine having a main supplyline,

pendently operatable supply valves connectfloat mechanism communicatingwith said washing machine, independently operatable valves mounted end"to end on saidv supply pipe to control the flow of fluid thereinto, anoutlet chamberbetween said valves, valve control mechanism within saidchamber, an adjustable connection between said float mechanism and saidvalves whereby the open valves are released tol closed position when thelevel of the fluid in the washing machine rises a certain amount, and agraduated scale forming a part of said adjustable connection whereby thelioat mechanism may be set for diileient levels of Huid in the Washingmachine.

9. ln a device of the class described a plurality of valve casingsconnected end to end in a main supply lead, a plurality of valves ineach of said casings, each valve independently operatable into openposition, a plurality of connected locking members arranged to insuresimultaneous movement of each of said locking members with the movementof any -one thereof, and actuating levers for said valves adapted tobemaintained in an adjusted open position by said lookin members. l l

10. he combination with a washing maof indeed to discharge to saidsupply line, manually actuatable means connected to operate said valves,a member for maintaining said means in an ladjusted position, floatmechanism adapted to receive a supply of iiuid directly from said supplyline and communicating with other supply valves ada ted to be connected,'n train with said rst mentioned valves and discharging also to saidsupply line, manually actuatable ymeans for operating said secondmentioned valves, a second member adapted to .be engaged to said firstmentioned member to insure simultaneous movement of said first andsecond means, coperativek connections between the ioat mechanism and one'of said members whereby when a certain quantity of iiuid is admitted tothe washing machine, said valves will be released from said members bysaid float mechanism permitting closure of all of the open valves, andexteriorly adjustable auxiliary controls adapted to equalize thepressure on each side of said first and second mentioned supply valves.

11. In a device of the class described the combination with awashingmachine of a fluid supply line leading thereto, float mechanismconnected to receive fluid therefrom, an outlet for said float mechanismleading to the washing machine, sets of interfitting automaticallyclosing fluid supply valves mounted in i said supply line with thevalves in each set mounted end to end to dischar e fluid thereto, apiston forming a part 0 each of said on each side of said valves,

quantity of fluid has second -mentioned taneously valves, passages forequalizing the pressure on each side' of said valves-the opening andclosing of' which are controlled by said piston, connections betweensaid float mechanism and said valves whereby an excess of fluid admittedto y said washing machine causes release of all of the open supplyvalves to closed position, and means acting automatically to admit airto said supply line to prevent a reduction of pressure therein belowatmospheric.

12. ln a device of the class described a receptacle,.a' main supply lineJfor said receptacle, a plurality of valve casings connected end to endtherein, automatically closing valves in said casings each connectedwith an independent source of supply for controlling the flow of fluidthereto, piston controlled valves for equalizing the pressure floatmechanism communicating with said supply line, and with said receptacle,connections between said float mechanism and said valves whereby theopen ones of said valves may be released -to closed position when acertain been admitted to said receptacle, and automatic means foradmitting air to said supply line.

13.- n a device of the class described a supply line, a plurality ofindependently opferatable automatically closing valves coning means forsaid to maintain the same in adjusted open position, mechanism on said.second mentionedv 'locking means to releasably engage said firstmentioned locking means to insure simultaneous movement of both of saidlocking means, lioat controlled mechanism connected to one of saidlocking means to release vsaid locking means and cause release of all ofthe open valve4 levers permitting closure of all of said valves, andauxilia valves axially alined with each of said rst and valves adaptedto simuloperate to equalize the pressure on each side of said first andsecond mentioned valves.

14. In a device of the class described the combination with a supplyline of axially alined automatically closing valves to control theadmission of fluid thereto from separate sources of fluid supply,controlling passages associatedwith said valves adapted to equalize thepressure on each side of said valves, independent actuating means,

line.

Laaaeea e'ne foreach of said valves, a locking mem` ber normallyimpelled te unlocking position and movable Ainto locking osition teengage thereto, Heat mechanism, and means adjustably connecting saidfloat mechanism with said-graduated member whereby the release of saidlocking member .may be predetermined in accerdancefwithfan amount offluid admitted by said valves to the supply 15. In a device oftheclassdescribed the l 4combination with a Washing machine, efa

plurality of valve casings connectedv end to end in a main supply lead,a plurality of axially alined valves in each of said casings, each ofsaid valves connected to a diilerent source of liquid supply, an outletchamber commen to all of said valves forming the supply main, aplurality of locking mechanisms, one` associated-With each of said valvecasings to lock the valvesin an adj usted open position, all of saidmechanisms adapted te operate when anyone thereof is actuated, and floatcontrolled means adapted to move said locking/members te release thevalvesto closed position.

16. In a device `of the class described a casing formed to aerd alinedinlet passages and a cent-ral outlet passay eoperatable. axially Aalinedvalves controlling the flow throu h said respective inlet passages intosai outlet passages, actuating means for each of said valves 4mounted 1nthev outlet passage, and axially alined auxiliary valves in each of saidfirst mentioned valves operatable by said actuating means.: 1 17 In adevice' of the class described the combination witha main supply linefor-a washing machine, of a casing, automatically l closingindependently operatable yoked .f

independently valves mounted enel` to end in said supply line, by-passesformed in said casing, means for varying the area of opening of said bpasses te control the pressure on each si e of said valves, a floatmechanism adapted to cause release of said valves to closed positionwhen an excess of fluid flows te the Washing machine, means admitting4Huid to said Heat mechanism from said supply line, an outlet connectedin said float mechanism and communicating with the Washing machine,lwhereby a ovv is maintained from the float mechanism to the washingmachine, and means admitting air te said supply line to prevent areduction of pressure therein.

'18. `In adevice of the class described a receptacle, a casing, aplurality of automatically clesing valves mounted end te end thereincommunicating with a common out let leadingto said receptacle, means onsaid casing adjustable from the exterior thereof to govern the closingmovement of said valves, actuating levers, one for each of said valvesto open .each yvalve independently of the others, locking means onsaidflevers, a

movable rack member ladapted to normally engage the locking vrmeans ensaid leversto retain the valves in an adjusted open p osition, floatmechanism .operating mechamsm controlled thereby adapted to releaseisaidmovable member v'to release said locking means andI permit closure ofthe valves when a predetermined quantity of iiuid has flowed to saidreceptacle, communication between said eatmechanism and saidrece tacle,if?

andv means the receptac e -to said float mechanism.

In testimony whereof We have hereunto subscribed our names in thesubscribing witnesses.

' JOSEPH BSCH. 'f BICI) ROST.

Witnessesz. v .A

. `LMavRnNen Rutesheim..

- GEORGE R, Moom. .g

presence of two;

reventing av How o flui from f

